If you're interested in Hall-Effect keyboards, you probably already know the Wooting 80HE: It's considered one of the best gaming keyboards ever by many hardware publications. Now Wooting is following up by introducing the 80HE+, a revised version that significantly sharpens things up in several areas.
The most important visual innovation is immediately noticeable: a large, rotatable knob called Lekker Knob Large. But a lot has also happened under the hood.
What Exactly Does the Wooting 80HE+ Update Bring?
- The new Lekker Knob Large can be freely assigned: volume, media control, or custom keyboard functions, entirely as you choose
- The knob is included directly with pre-assembled Zinc models; for ABS versions, it's available separately for retrofitting
- New Lekker switches of the current generation are designed to operate more stably and inherently sound more muted thanks to a closed bottom
- A new FR4 plate ensures a firmer, more consistent keystroke without the metallic ping of a steel plate
- Additional sound-dampening foam elements in the case bottom make the overall sound deeper and richer
- An optional split spacebar module replaces the single spacebar with three individual keys, allowing the left thumb to access an additional, freely assignable key without leaving the WASD position
In addition, there are smaller detail refinements: The ABS-Dark version gets a dark-transparent top case, while the Zinc-Dark variant's coating has been made more resistant to wear.
When Can You Buy the Wooting 80HE+ and What Will It Cost?
According to Wooting, pre-orders for the 80HE+ start on September 17th. For pre-assembled versions, the price is expected to be roughly on par with the original 80HE model, which cost around 200 US dollars at the time.
From our perspective, the update is a good example of how Wooting plays to its niche: Instead of churning out a completely new model every year, an already highly-rated foundation is specifically improved in areas most frequently criticized by the community, such as sound and feel. For serious gamers who already rely on Hall-Effect switches with analog input, the split spacebar module should be particularly interesting, as it unlocks an additional key without changing hand position. If you're looking for a more affordable alternative in the periphery segment, you'll also find interesting reading material on gaming peripherals in our review of the Razer Naga V3 Pro.
More details and the technical specifications of all Wooting models can be found directly at Wooting.
Source: PC Gamer
Are the new knob and better switches enough for you to upgrade, or will you stick with your current keyboard? Let us know in the comments!
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